This page about Dean Markley Overlord is a stub. You can help improve it:

Dean Markley Overlord

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Dean Markley Overlord

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step into the world of expressive guitar tones with the Dean Markley Overlord overdrive pedal. This essential piece of gear is designed for musicians who crave versatility and want to explore a wide range of overdrive sounds, from subtle warmth to aggressive crunch. Its intuitive layout offers easy control over your sound, with knobs for gain, tone, and level, allowing you to craft your ideal sonic signature with precision.

Built to withstand the rigors of both stage and studio, the Overlord pedal features a robust metal chassis, ensuring durability and reliability for endless performances. Its true-bypass switching ensures your guitar's signal remains pristine when the pedal is disengaged, preserving the authenticity of your instrument's original tone. Compatible with a variety of setups, from vintage amps to modern digital rigs, this pedal is a versatile addition to any guitarist's arsenal.

Whether you're dialing in a bluesy edge or pushing your amp into saturated overdrive, the Dean Markley Overlord delivers consistent, high-quality sound. The pedal's responsive controls give you the flexibility to adapt to any musical situation, making it a reliable choice for both live performances and studio recordings.

Key Features:

Versatile overdrive tones ranging from subtle to aggressive
True-bypass switching for pure signal integrity
Durable metal chassis for long-lasting performance
Intuitive controls: gain, tone, and level knobs
Compatible with a wide range of amplifiers and setups

Videos

Add video

james Cooper

Dean Markley Overlord over drive pedal

james Cooper

Dean Markley OVERLORD Tube Distortion Pedal Wow! You gotta hear this to the end!

MetalRecordingServices.com

February Funboxes: MadeByMike custom & Dean Markley Overlord

d o o g

Testing Ibanez Tubeking , BOSS HM-2 , Dean Markley Overlord distortion pedals

Erik Vándor

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dean Markley Overlord.

Comparisons

0 0

The Overlord is likened to a Shredmaster/DS-2 for tone, but with a unique fuzzy sound when using an old Telefunken tube.
Source
0 0

The Overlord is reportedly a direct copy of the B.K. Butler Real Tube, but lacks the power and clarity of the Bumble Bee version.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

True bypass modification recommended due to distortion bleed in bypass mode; ample housing space available for this mod.
Source
0 0

Owners suggest implementing a true bypass modification to eliminate distortion bleed in bypass mode, taking advantage of the pedal's spacious housing.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Ideal for experimenting with nearly worn-out tubes to achieve distinct tonal qualities, especially for a gritty, vintage fuzz sound.
Source
0 0

The Overlord can function effectively as a standalone preamp, offering versatility beyond typical overdrive applications.
Source
0 0

The Overlord is ideal for using nearly worn-out tubes to create a transient, gritty fuzz, similar to a failing tube amp before it fully breaks down.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Gain control criticized for becoming overly saturated beyond the first quarter of the sweep, resulting in a flabby sound.
Source
0 0

The pedal is mains powered and runs a single 12ax7 tube, providing potential for experimentation with different tube types.
Source
0 0

The pedal's sound with a modern Marshall 12ax7 is likened to a Shredmaster or DS-2, providing a recognizable overdrive tone for rock styles.
Source

User experience

0 0

Despite being a rebranded version, some owners describe the Overlord as weak and muddy compared to other B.K. Butler models, even with identical NOS tubes.
Source
0 0

Rediscovery of the Overlord often results in surprise at its unique tonal capabilities, particularly with different tubes, emphasizing its potential when revisited after years in storage.
Source